The Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission denied a permit Monday for a church to operate out of an existing building in north Bibb County.

The Warner Robins First Assembly of God had applied for a conditional-use permit to allow a church in a 4,464-square-foot building at 157 Gateway Drive off Riverside Drive near The Shoppes at River Crossing.

The church currently operates in a 50,000-square-foot facility on 30 acres a mile east of Exit 146 off Interstate 75, according to a statement from the church. The building on Gateway Drive would have been a satellite campus.

“We selected what we believe to be the most attractive portion of Macon,” said the Rev. Richard Azbell. “Our application fits into the ever evolving land-use change at the Riverside/Gateway area ... and that we would have minimal adverse impact on adjacent properties.”

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However, Trip Wilhort with Fickling & Co., said he represents some property owners along Riverside Drive who are concerned that the church’s presence would restrict some “end users” from going on those sites. State and local law provides restrictions on the distance between businesses that sell alcohol and churches.

Rob Patterson, who owns 1.3 acres directly across Riverside Drive from The Shoppes at River Crossing, also expressed concern about the church’s location.

“I’m not here opposing religion,” he said. “What I’m here for is opposing zoning that will affect how I will be able to use my property.”

Commissioner Jacqueline Hightower said that The Shoppes at River Crossing was an important economic area.

“I would like to see more development in that area versus limiting what goes in that area,” Hightower said.

Jim Thomas, executive director of the zoning commission, said the future land use plan for that area is expected to be for commercial uses.

The application was denied in a 3-2 vote.

When a similar application for this site was sought in 2007, the item was deferred to obtain a legal opinion regarding the restriction of uses on adjacent properties that would involve alcohol, according to the staff report. At that time, The Shoppes at River Crossing and other developments in the area were under way. The application was withdrawn prior to the hearing, so the commission did not act.

1831 Wood Valley Road: In violation of Section 26.08[2] and Section 26.08[3] of the Comprehensive Land Development Resolution (parking/storing a commercial vehicle in excess of 10,000 pounds in the front yard). Collette Lester, Fernell Epps. Found in violation, five days to remove vehicle.

4440 Holley Road: In violation of Section 27.05 of Comprehensive Land Development Resolution (manufactured home as a second dwelling installed without a zoning compliance), A-Agricultural District. Jerry Hicks, Clara Bell Hicks. Referred to Jan 23 meeting.

838 Captain Kell Drive: In violation of Section 26.08(3) of Comprehensive Land Development Resolution (trailer unit used as storage building and located in the front yard), R-1AAA District. Sandy Taylor. Found in violation, five days to remove trailer.